A Navy veteran who survived cancer tragically lost his life when he was hit by a drunk driver.

Recently in Putnam County Court, Silvio Tenesaca of Kent was sentenced to 2 1/3 to 7 years in state prison for causing the death of George Rosalino.

Tenesaca pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and DWI in August.

On Nov. 27, 2018 Tenesaca was driving on Route 52 in the town of Kent when he rear-ended George Rosalino, who was riding a bicycle. The force of the impact killed Rosalino instantly, officials say.

Tenesaca didn't stop, drove home, switched to a car at home and returned to the scene, where he observed Rosalino and then drove to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, according to a press release.

Tenesaca was observed to be under the influence of alcohol and a breath test demonstrated that he had a .17 blood alcohol level.

“Driving while intoxicated is not a victimless crime,” Putnam County District Attorney Robert V. Tendy said. “It can, and often does, produce horrible and tragic results. George Rosalino was a beloved son and brother. He was a Navy veteran and a cancer survivor. The defendant chose to excessively drink and then operate a motor vehicle that night and this was the consequence. My sincerest condolences
go out to the Rosalino family.”

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